Far Cry 6 released with mixed receptions from fans and critics, but ultimately failed to explore a new time or location that might introduce new gameplay, stories, and characters. While it’s exciting for Far Cry to begin connecting its games, like with the Vaas reveal and Pagan Min Easter eggs throughout Far Cry 6, innovation can keep the series more interesting. Ubisoft can use many times and places in their games to set the next Far Cry apart from previous titles, especially considering the significant criticism Far Cry 6 received.
The Far Cry game series has commonly explored rural or tropical settings, intermingling civilization with untamed wilds to give players the best of both worlds. Ubisoft’s Far Cry 6 map used Yara, a Cuban-inspired chain of islands, to stage their revolution. It allowed players to customize their character and experience a playthrough where their choices and in-game actions influenced Yara. Securing outposts, the alliance of various rebellions and rebel leaders, and even recruiting the game’s Amigos could all change how players experienced the game.
Ubisoft hasn’t revealed any official information concerning Far Cry 7, but there are many speculations about what could come next. The return of several high-profile villains like Far Cry 3’s Vaas points towards a soft reboot of past events or a conscious connection between the games. However, Ubisoft should examine past, future, and modern retellings of various events to diversify the Far Cry formula and expand the in-game universe. There are many options for Ubisoft to pursue independent adventures reminiscent of Far Cry 3's Jason Brody and Vaas Montenegro or repeat Dani Rojas' rebel leader narrative in a new setting with fresh characters.
Far Cry 7 Could Explore WWII
Far Cry Primal explored prehistory, where players controlled a primitive human and tamed many beasts. Unfortunately, Far Cry seems to have abandoned many significant events in modern history, including the World Wars. While the in-game universe changes key locations, names, and events, they’re clearly inspired by real-world parallels, and Far Cry 7 could continue the trend. By creating a game based on World War 2, Far Cry 7 could explore a popular era from a unique perspective while also further developing the in-game universe’s history. Additionally, a game set in World War 2 could explore a new era of weaponry, vehicles, characters, and allegiances.
The Reddit post from bige12799 depicts a creative way that Far Cry 7 could explore a new setting. Players could take control of Jewish prisoners, and center around a Soviet state or the French countryside, with players retaking territory from the Nazis and steadily making their way back to the prison in which they began. Far Cry’s villains are a primary draw to the franchise, giving players a perverse pleasure for ending the vilest collection of humans possible. A charismatic Nazi leader or general preaching from a twisted manifesto would make the perfect villain to hunt down. Similar to Far Cry 6’s missions, Far Cry 7’s WWII adventure could allow players to free the Jewish inhabitants of concentration camps alongside fellow heroes.
Far Cry Still Needs An Official Sci-Fi Game
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon explored some sci-fi and cyberpunk themes, but the project hasn’t aged well compared to recent projects. New technology makes it possible for Ubisoft to explore a sci-fi game with improved graphics and gameplay. Far Cry has explored several fictional eras of its world, including the post-apocalypse and a prehistoric adventure. However, the Far Cry 3 Blood Dragon DLC was only released as an expansion and not a complete game. Combined with Far Cry’s open-world and crafting systems, Ubisoft could create an exciting new addition to the series and create a world image for the franchise to work towards.
If Far Cry 7 takes place in a futuristic setting, player characters could live in a utopian society. Since most Far Cry characters start in a life or situation they enjoy, Ubisoft could adapt a storytelling method that forces players to serve an evil corporation or governmental figure. In addition, skill trees could translate into cybernetic body modifications that make players more effective with specific playstyles. Far Cry 6’s failure to include skill trees or traditional character progression felt incredibly stifling and prevented players from customizing their experience. Additionally, Far Cry 6’s weapons received significant criticism for their clunky gameplay and limited differences. Exploring a futuristic era could help Ubisoft diversify guns and armor, taking inspiration from games like Halo, Cyberpunk 2077, or Mass Effect.
Far Cry 7 Could Bring Civil Unrest To The Spotlight
The Hong Kong Independent Protests shook the world from 2019 to 2020, when the local populace protested against the Chinese government’s control over the province. The gaming world entered the fray when Blizzard censored Hong Kong protest mentions in their broadcasts. Less than a year later, the shooting of George Floyd sparked mass Black Lives Matter protests across the world. As a general rule, entertainment media and the press give attention to different events and happenings, often determining their weight in the world. As one of the world’s most popular and influential gaming companies, Ubisoft could use Far Cry 7 to wield its influence toward issues in the public eye. Far Cry’s stories often depict the struggle of everyday citizens against authoritative organizations and villains, and Far Cry 7 could make the conflicts more relevant than ever while encouraging essential discussions.
Setting Far Cry 7 in an urban cityscape and creating an in-universe parallel to significant protests (or perhaps a modern Civil War) could preserve the franchise’s fundamental mechanics and gameplay systems. Players could take the role of a protestor or scavenger caught in the crossfire, allowing players to make impactful choices in a relevant conflict. Additionally, everyday weapons like umbrellas, trash can lids, and more could replace the military-grade weapons players can craft in Far Cry 6. Additionally, players should have the option to utilize skill trees that impact their relationships with NPCs, gameplay preferences, and available crafting recipes. The key to success in any open-world game is ensuring players can enjoy it how they want to. Parkour systems like Assassin’s Creed or Uncharted could open new frontiers for the Far Cry franchise, especially in an exclusively urban environment.
No matter where Far Cry 7 takes place, it’s evident that Ubisoft needs to continue innovating the series or risk collapsing into a repetitive formula. Ubisoft has endless possibilities and combinations to revitalize the franchise for its next game. Additionally, the company’s worldwide influence throughout entertainment media should motivate the game series to take a more proactive stance in serious world issues by making them the focal point in their games. Ubisoft is currently releasing Far Cry 6 villain DLCs, so fans shouldn’t expect Far Cry 7 for at least another year or so.
Source: bige12799/Reddit